Frequently Asked Questions

The LGBT Community Safety Action Plan is included in the Community Safety, Crime Reduction and Drugs Strategy. This details the actions we, as a Partnership are implementing to address transgender hate crime across Brighton & Hove.

Not all incidents will be crimes, but it is important to report all incidents. This means that if you feel an incident directed towards you was motivated by transphobia, or you’ve witnessed something, then you should report it. By reporting incidents you also help us to offer support if it’s needed and to bring offenders to justice.

Keep a record of all incidents as they happen, eg. times, dates, what happened, where, witnesses, etc.. Keep offensive material as it forms evidence in legal action, for instance, graffiti on a wall or a leaflet/note through your door. Do not touch it unless you have to, as police may want to test for fingerprints. Do not erase abusive text-messages or messages on your answer machine, as they are evidence. If you have been attacked, don’t shower or change your clothes as it may destroy evidence. If you have had your keys taken, change the locks.

A trans hate incident is any incident that is perceived to transphobic by the victim or any other person. This includes physical abuse, spitting, punching, kicking, slapping, pushing or behaviour which leads to physical injury. It can also be sexual abuse, threats, verbal abuse or written/printed abuse, words of a threatening nature, graffiti or other attacks on property or your home, harassment, persistent intimidating or threatening behaviour which is spread over a period of time.

Sometimes prejudice can be subtle such as the use of negative portrayals trans people in the media. At other times, it can be direct such as bullying, verbal abuse and or physical attack. Generally, direct transphobia is classed as an incident. Some incidents are criminal offences and the police can respond. However, there are other ways of dealing with it within the legal system.

can provide you with immediate support, both emotionally and with the practicalities of dealing with LGB and Trans hate incidents. The switchboard can help you to decide whether, and how, to involve the police, and can report an incident confidentially on your behalf - even if you wish to remain anonymous

supports LGB and Trans young people under 26 and those who are unsure of their sexual orientation and/or gender identity and provides a drop in for LGB and Trans young people under 26 on Tuesday evenings

Brighton & Hove City Council's Housing Advice / Tenancy Relations Team investigates allegations of harassment and unlawful eviction, including that motivated by homophobia or transphobia. The team also provide help to private sector tenants